Body camera video shows Columbus police shoot armed suspect five times after chase

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – New video shows Columbus police chase down and shoot a man with a gun after a traffic stop Friday afternoon.

NBC4 obtained the body camera footage from two of the officers, including one who fired his gun five times at the suspect. The chase lasted about 15 seconds before the officer fired his weapon. 

“I will shoot you,” the officer said. “He’s got a gun… drop the gun. Drop the gun, I will shoot you, drop the gun.”

Police stopped a vehicle near Burstock Road and Frebis Avenue just after 5 p.m. A chase ensued after the driver took off, then stumbled briefly before getting up and appearing to point the gun in his right hand toward the chasing officer.

Columbus police said Friday the suspect clearly pointed the weapon at an officer. 

"It's very clear and obvious in the video that the suspect did point the firearm in the direction of the officer,” said Sgt. James Fuqua. “At that point, one officer discharged their firearm several times, striking the suspect."

After the suspect went down, the video clearly shows a firearm on the ground next to the suspect. In the video, you can hear five shots fired, all from police. They confirmed the suspect did not shoot his weapon, and he is expected to survive.